In need of a long weekend? Columbia, Maryland is ready to help you unwind and escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Discover the green in-between Baltimore & Washington DC.
Start your weekend with some adrenaline pumping fun at Autobahn Indoor Speedway. Fulfill your need for speed on two indoor tracks in go karts that go up to 60 mph. Keep the evening going with dinner. At Victoria Gastro Pub. You'll find innovative twists on classic pub fare (order the duck fat fries) and an extensive and eclectic list of beer and wine, including local, fresh brews from Manor Hill Brewery. Other tasty options include Sushi Sono, Clyde's of Columbia, Frisco Tap House and Centre Park Grill.
On Saturday, begin your day like a Parisian with petit dejeuner in the comptoir at Petit Louis on the Lake. Take your croissant and coffee outside for a view of Lake Kittamaqundi with your meal. After your repast, enjoy a little me time at Haven on the Lake with a mind body class, spa service or time in one of the healing environments.
Head over to The Mall in Columbia, Maryland's premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination along the Baltimore/Washington corridor. Take a few (or more) hours to find a few new favorite wardrobe items and grab lunch at Maggiano's Little Italy or Seasons 52. In the afternoon, catch the latest exhibit at the Columbia Art Center, try ice skating at the Columbia Ice Rink or horseback riding at the Columbia Horse Center. If you'd rather hit the links, use your afternoon to play a round of nine at Fairway Hills Golf Club or Hobbit's Glen Golf Club. Then it's time to enjoy a show! Depending on the season and what you're in the mood for, Toby's Dinner Theatre, Rep Stage, the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Red Branch Theater Company and Merriweather Post Pavilion bring world class performances of all types to Columbia. Consider AIDA Bistro, Houlihan's Columbia or The Iron Bridge Wine Company for a meal before your show.
On Sunday, grab brunch at local favorite, The Ale House Columbia. Enjoy a little more time outdoors and go for a hike along some of Columbia's close to 100 miles of paved trails. Stop by Touche Touchet Bakery and Pastry Shoppe for a sweet treat before you head home.
Ready to book your room? Check out these great Columbia hotels!
*Photo of Merriweather Post Pavilion courtesy of Will Cocks.
A version of this piece originally appeared in the 2016 Howard County Visitors + Residents Guide.
